Can I Bring Sertraline (Zoloft) to Japan?
Yes, you can bring sertraline to Japan, and it is not a banned or illegal medicine there. Sertraline, sold overseas as Zoloft and in Japan as JZoloft ジェイゾロフト and generics, is an approved prescription antidepressant in Japan and is not a narcotic or psychotropic. For personal import, the ordinary prescription-drug quantity limit applies.
Quick answer
Sertraline is allowed in Japan. It is a prescription drug there, not a controlled substance, so no narcotics permit is needed. MHLW allows up to one month's supply of a prescription drug for personal use without Import Confirmation. For a longer supply, apply for Import Confirmation before you travel.
Travelling with several prescriptions? Each active ingredient needs its own check, especially sleeping pills or anxiety medicines.
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Why you can bring sertraline to Japan: it is approved there
PMDA lists JZoloft tablets and JZoloft OD (orally disintegrating) tablets in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths. In addition, Japanese generic sertraline tablets are available.
| Question | Sertraline in Japan |
|---|---|
| Japanese brand | JZoloft ジェイゾロフト, plus generics セルトラリン錠 |
| Classification | Prescription drug and powerful drug 処方箋医薬品・劇薬 |
| Narcotic or psychotropic? | No. Not on the MHLW Narcotics Control Department psychotropic carry-in table |
| Personal-import limit without Import Confirmation | Up to one month's supply |
If you also take a sleeping pill, a benzodiazepine or an ADHD medicine, check it separately. Many of these are psychotropics or stimulants in Japan with different rules. See our guide to controlled medicines in Japan.
How much can you bring? Sertraline to Japan and the one-month limit
MHLW's personal-import rules allow up to one month's supply of a prescription drug, including poisonous and powerful drugs, without Import Confirmation. Sertraline falls into this group.
If you need more than one month's supply, apply for Import Confirmation (formerly yakkan shoumei) before you travel. Do not wait until you arrive.
One month's supply is based on your prescribed daily dose and the total quantity, not on the number of boxes. For example, at 50 mg once daily, one month is about 30 tablets of 50 mg.
What to carry when you bring sertraline to Japan
In short, if you bring sertraline to Japan in its labelled box with a prescription, arrival is usually simple. Pack your medicine in hand luggage where possible. Our airport customs form assistance page explains how to declare medicines on arrival.
Staying longer after you bring sertraline to Japan
If you are staying long enough to need a new supply, book a Japanese doctor or psychiatrist before you run out. Bring your diagnosis, treatment history and current dose.
Because sertraline is marketed in Japan, the doctor can consider continuing it with a local product. Nevertheless, the decision on medicine, dose and formulation is theirs to make.
Do not stop sertraline suddenly to avoid import paperwork. Discuss any pause, taper or switch with your prescribing clinician.
Need a doctor who speaks English? See how to find an English-speaking doctor in Japan or our list of foreign-friendly clinics.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I bring sertraline (Zoloft) to Japan?
Yes. Sertraline is approved in Japan and sold as JZoloft and generic sertraline tablets. It is classed as a prescription drug, not as a narcotic or psychotropic, so no narcotics permit is needed. The usual personal-import quantity limit for prescription drugs applies.
Is sertraline banned or illegal in Japan?
No. Sertraline is an approved prescription medicine in Japan and is not on any prohibited or controlled list. You can carry it for personal use within the one-month limit for prescription drugs.
How much sertraline can I bring without Import Confirmation?
Up to one month's supply at your prescribed dose. MHLW allows prescription drugs, including poisonous and powerful drugs, up to one month's supply for personal use without Import Confirmation. For more than that, apply for Import Confirmation before you travel.
Is sertraline a controlled or psychotropic drug in Japan?
No. Sertraline does not appear on the psychotropic carry-in table published by the MHLW Narcotics Control Department, and Japanese product listings class it as a powerful drug and prescription drug. Other medicines you take, such as sleeping pills or benzodiazepines, may be psychotropics and need a separate check.
What documents should I carry with sertraline?
Keep sertraline in its original pharmacy-labelled packaging and carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter showing the generic name, strength, daily dose and your name. If you bring more than one month's supply, carry your Import Confirmation as well.
Can I get sertraline prescribed in Japan?
Sertraline tablets are marketed in Japan, so a Japanese doctor can consider continuing it. Whether to prescribe, and at what dose and formulation, is the doctor's clinical decision. Bring your treatment history and current dose to the appointment.
Should I stop sertraline if I run out while travelling?
Do not stop or change sertraline on your own because of travel paperwork. Talk to your prescribing clinician before you travel, and see a doctor in Japan before your supply runs out if you are staying longer.
This article provides general information reviewed on 30 September 2026. It is not medical, pharmaceutical or legal advice. Do not stop, taper or change an antidepressant without clinical guidance. Import limits, classifications and product availability change, so confirm requirements with MHLW or the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare before you travel. MedicTranslate provides translation and coordination services.